I think the needle at 60% is just normal. What you see is the gradual rise and that is wrong. The direct fan, no TS valve is not letting your car to get to the normal operating temperature sooner.
Experts! Please guide the poster. For older cars, mechanics don't suggest TS valve and auto fan... please comment.
My opinion: If you make the auto fan circuitry and switch reliable enough, then go for it. On auto fan, I think thermostat valve is OK to use as it will be closed until the fan turns on. Just make it working and reliable. Your engine will be happy like this.